Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island Destination Management Action Plan

Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island Destination Management Action Plan
This report provides an update on the progress
toward fulfilling Hawai‘i Island’s Destination
Management Action Plan (DMAP) from April 1
through June 30, 2022, and specifically provides
updates on the actions identified for Phase 2
implementation. Q2 2022 marks the beginning of
Phase 2 actions. Only Phase 2 sub-actions are
listed unless otherwise noted. There are 40
sub-actions in Phase 2, of which 35 (88%) are in
progress.
The Steering Committee met on June 9, 2022 to
review and refine some of the sub-actions that
seemed duplicative in nature. Action D in the
Hawai‘i Island DMAP has been incorporated into
Actions A and C. All other actions remain the
same.
This report also includes a section on the DMAP’s
hotspots and activities to date.
The Hawai‘i Island DMAP was approved by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) board
of directors in February 2021. It is a three-year plan divided into three phases. It was
released to the public and published on HTA’s website on April 1, 2021.
HTA provides funds to the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau/Island of Hawai‘i
Visitors Bureau (IHVB) for a Destination Manager to assist HTA in implementing the
DMAP. Mahalo to IHVB and the County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Research &
Development for their support and partnership in moving the Hawai‘i Island DMAP
actions forward. HTA also acknowledges the other state, county and federal agencies,
nonprofit organizations, and the visitor industry which have been integral to advancing
the DMAP efforts.
Legend
Symbol Definition
Not Started – Action has not begun.
Delayed – Action was initially targeted for the identified phase,
but then deferred to a later phase.
In Progress – Action is being worked on.
Completed – Action is finished being implemented.
Figure 1 Hawai‘i Island DMAP Cover
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
Page 2
Action A. Protect and preserve culturally significant places and hotspots.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
A.1
Develop and support opportunities to Mālama and steward the
places and culture of Hawai‘i Island for both residents and visitors,
including using Native Hawaiian practices of resource and cultural
stewardship.
• HTA’s partnership with KUPU and the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural
Resources’ (DLNR) Nā Ala Hele Trail program to support the Pololū Valley Stewardship
Pilot Program with stewards from the area ended in May 2022. The stewardship
program will be continued by DLNR.
• IHVB facilitated meetings with community members and stakeholders from Waipi‘o
Valley to address issues.
• Liko No Ka Lama community steward membership and voluntourism programs were
created and implemented through County support. Culture-based education and
stewardship activities continue on a weekly basis.
A.2
Emphasize local area cultural history and expertise to further expand
Hawaiian cultural values, knowledge, and language with an
emphasis on connection to place.
• HTA’s partnership with KUPU and the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural
Resources’ (DLNR) Nā Ala Hele Trail program to support the Pololū Valley Stewardship
Pilot Program with stewards from the area ended in May 2022. The stewardship
program will be continued by DLNR.
• IHVB conducted an Island of Hawai‘i Mālama familiarization trip in May with 10
pre-qualified travel advisors. The FAM included Pololū Valley Lookout – interacting with
stewards to be educated on the Stewardship Program and desired messaging for
future visitors, education on the Waipiʻo Valley road closure and future messaging,
storytelling, cultural activities, connection to place, and featuring Anna and Danny
Akaka, Jr. of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Ka‘iulani Blankenfield of
Fairmont Orchid, Kauhane Holeca of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach
Hotel, and Glenn Manaba of Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo. Attendees were introduced to
hotel experiences such as the Ulu Pono Garden Experience at Fairmont Orchid, the
future reforestation program at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, reef talks, reef clean
ups, and Mālama partner volunteer programs:
o Kona Joe’s Coffee Farm (roasting experience)
o Kona Soap and Chocolate Tour
o Hawaiian Vanilla Company
o Farmers Markets and supported small town visits through lunch and
shopping
o Introduction to Hawai‘i Ocean Science & Technology Park businesses
offering tours
o Kona Sea Salt Farm Tour
o Chef dinner featuring island products
• The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) continued to conduct webinar
trainings (https://www.nahha.com/training).
• The County’s 2022 grant projects included:
o Wahi Pana O Kahalu‘u video outline and scripts were drafted. Focus areas
include historical, cultural and ecological significances of the bay, as well
as appropriate visitation behaviors.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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o The research team for the Lehia to Paipai Coastline project conducted
interviews, site visits and gathered observational notes at nine wahi pana.
Mo‘olelo and data were documented, and the following themes were
identified: reverence to place and environmental beauty; continuance of
native Hawaiian spiritual connection to ‘āina; generational resource
collection for subsistence and survival; strong caution and awareness of the
danger of the coastline; and Lehia continues to be a community gathering
place.
A.3
Build capacity in communities to support increased opportunities for
community-led stewardship actions and initiatives to manage
resources, such as closing areas or limiting access (visitor and
potentially resident) during certain times of the year.
• The County is supporting two Kapalilua Kia‘i ‘Āina stewardship positions that were
co-created with communities to conduct support and data collection at four hotspot
areas: Kealakekua, Hōnaunau, Ho‘okena and Miloli‘i. The community consultant and
Kia‘i ‘Āina position templates for recruitment and selection and stewardship will be
available to future collaborators and partners.
A.4 Work with the different stakeholders to communicate areas that need
to be protected with the visitor industry and visitors.
• IHVB has been liaising with various community groups for stewardship opportunities
targeted at DMAP hotspots – Punalu‘u, Waipi‘o Valley, and Kumukahi.
• IHVB put together a Waipi‘o Valley Steering Committee. Virtual and in-person meetings
were held throughout Q2. Discussions are still taking place.
• The County held its quarterly Hawai‘i Island Resilience Cohort Coalition meetings.
• Hawai‘i Tourism USA’s Mālama Hawai‘i program continues to evolve.
A.5
Create opportunities for community members to share in an ongoing
way about the impact of tourism as well as the wahi pana,
historically significant sites, and sacred sites that need to be
protected.
• Waipi‘o Valley Steering Committee meetings took place to develop ways to address
impact and preserve the wahi pana of Waipi‘o Valley.
• The County is providing funding support for The Kohala Center’s Wahi Pana O Kahalu‘u
Series: Introduction & Ho‘olauna and the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation’s Lehia to
Paipai Coastline Research Project.
• NaHHA continues to offer its Wahi Pana Series webinars.
Action B. Develop resources and educational programs to perpetuate authentic Hawaiian
culture and ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
B.1 Identify and assess proper providers and learning tools.
• IHVB is building its network of visitor industry cultural practitioners to engage in moving
DMAP culture actions forward. IHVB worked in the Kohala and Kona areas.
• IHVB assisted in the implementation of the La Mo‘omeheu Hawai‘i familiarization tour
with the Kohala Coast Resort Association and community stakeholders, which shared
Hawaiian cultural programs and introduced attendees comprised of DMAP Steering
Committee members and community and government leaders to cultural
ambassadors on the five Kohala Coast properties.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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B.2
Support Hawaiian cultural educational and training programs –
including ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘I (Hawaiian language) for the employees in
the visitor industry (e.g. hotels, tour guides).
• The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) held its Ka Huina virtual two-day
conference on June 8 and 9. https://www.nahha.com/kahuina
• NaHHA also continued its training webinars.
B.3
Develop a recognition program for businesses who complete the
Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) programs (e.g.
placards/certification).
• NaHHA provides certificates of completion for their trainings should participants
request them. NaHHA is exploring the creation of its own certification program.
B.4 Actively promote HTA’s Ma‘ema‘e Toolkit to the visitor industry and
business communities.
• IHVB shared out the Ma‘ema‘e Toolkit to educate travel agents during their travel
agent trainings.
B.5
Increase support and opportunities for cultural practitioners and
community members to interact. Educate the visitor industry and
individual companies about place-based practices to become more
place-based.
• The County is funding a pilot project – Kipa Program – through the Edith Kanaka‘ole
Foundation. The project will be completed in Summer 2022.
• NaHHA continued to offer its Wahi Pana Series webinars.
B.6 Support a Tour Guide Certification Program.
• NaHHA contracted with the Univeristy of Hawai‘i’s School of Travel Industry
Management (TIM) for a Tour Guide Certification Program study funded by HTA. The
study is anticipated to be completed in September 2022.
B.7
Continue support of programs and projects that perpetuate the
Hawaiian culture with the community and visitors, such as HTA’s
Kūkulu Ola program.
• Four Kūkulu Ola projects were funded in 2022 on Hawai‘i Island. These were mentioned
in past reports.
• Community Enrichment Program projects and events held during the second quarter
included the King Kamehameha Day Festival, Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural
Festival, Volcano Art Center’s May events, Kanu Hawai‘i, and Merrie Monarch Festival.
B.8 Encourage the integration of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) into
workforce and adult training programs.
• This action continues with NaHHA’s webinars trainings
https://www.nahha.com/training).
• Hawai‘i Community College has an online ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i program.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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Action C. Support and promote ‘āina-based education and practices to protect and
preserve our natural resources so that residents and visitors will aloha ‘āina.
Note: Actions C.5-C.10 were originally sub-actions under the original Action D. They are now
incorporated herein.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
C.1
Identify, support, and partner with existing and new ‘āina-based
groups that are protecting and stewarding wahi pana
(legendary/celebrated places or landmarks), cultural practices, and
people.
• IHVB has been liaising with various community groups for stewardship opportunities
targeted at DMAP hotspots – Punalu‘u, Waipi‘o Valley, and Kumukahi.
C.2
Pilot a certification program, in collaboration with community
leadership and the university system, for workers tied to natural
resources, cultural resources, and stewardship. Identify and review
existing ‘āina-based curricula, and create new curricula when
necessary, that emphasizes Native Hawaiian knowledge, culture,
place, and pono practices-based management. Develop curriculum
that is led by efforts from that area and connects firmly to placebased management and stewardship.
• This pilot program is funded by the County – Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation’s Kipa
Program. Results will be provided to the County at the end of Summer 2022.
C.3
Support interested ‘āina-based groups to serve as interpretive
educators, trainers, and/or cultural ambassadors to share cultural
knowledge with the guest and visitor industry, tour operators, and
other business owners.*
• Through the County’s Hawai‘i Island Resilience Action Team pilot projects, Mālama Wai
Kupuna’s culture-based education program is being supported.
C.4 Support enhanced interpretation and education on Maunakea,
including partnership with the Hawaiian community and residents.
• ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s Visitor Center is operating and increasing its number of
rangers. Monitoring to see what occurs with its newly created advisory board.
C.5
Implement regenerative management strategies, like those found in
the kapu system, Hā‘ena on Kaua‘i, East Maui, and Hanauma Bay on
O‘ahu. Provide clear opportunities and processes for local
communities to participate in visitor access and resource and
congestion management in their communities.
• The County closed Kahalu‘u Park from May 16 to 20 during the coral spawning period.
C.6
Support and advocate for stewardship efforts of coastal waters and
beaches that incorporate and emphasize a mauka to makai
collaborative approach given broader environmental implications.
• The County’s funding to Conservation International’s Advancing a New Mālama ‘Āina
Vision for Tourism on Hawai‘i Island continues to move this action forward as well as
Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation’s Lehia o Paipai Coastline Research Project.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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• IHVB continues to liaise with nonprofits and community stakeholders to address impacts
in Punalu‘u, Kumukahi, and Waipi‘o Valley.
C.7
Work with communities in each place to identify the carrying
capacity (how many people a place can accommodate without
having adverse effects and impacts on the biological resources of
that place) of sites and develop a process for ongoing stewardship
that is community-led. Explore the creation of pilot projects to find
the balance at certain sites.
• The County will be implementing its “honuaiakea process” at Pohoiki.
• IHVB is in discussion with a nonprofit organization to address visitor impacts to honu at
Punalu‘u.
C.8 Explore policies and regulations that aid in the implementation of
stewardship plans and enforcement of critical need areas.
• The County closed Kahalu‘u Park from May 16 to 20 during the coral spawning period.
• IHVB is leading facilitation meetings with the Waipi‘o Valley Steering Committee to
come up with potential community-led solutions.
C.9 Explore implementation of geo-fencing technology to aid
management of sites.
• Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) continues using the banners on the
Waze app to communicate to and educate travelers.
C.10 Find ways to support communities who do not know how to deal with
“rogue” visitors.
• The County’s Resilience Action Team initiated planning for the Resilience Corp pilot
project that provides stewards, docents and security to manage visitation to Pohoiki
Park.
• IHVB is in discussion with a nonprofit organization to address visitor impacts to honu at
Punalu‘u.
Action D. Create opportunities for ongoing dialogue, communications, and engagement
between the visitor industry, government and communities to improve community-industry
relations and better serve the community.
Note: This was formerly Action E. Original Action D is combined with actions A and C.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
D.1 Develop an education and awareness campaign targeted at
residents using traditional and social media vehicles.
• The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau developed a resident campaign which
featured DMAP activities, highlighting tourism’s contributions to the community.
• IHVB and the County partnered to feature DMAP Steering Committee members and
nonprofits/community members’ work and involvement with Hawai‘i Island’s DMAP on
KHON’s Living808. There were nine spots featuring the following:
o Kūhaʻo Zane, DMAP Steering Committee
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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o Lito Arkangel, Bruce, and Tracey, making of the Pono Pledge video (Hale
ʻŌLELO)
o GoFarm Hawaiʻi
o Charles Young, DMAP Steering Committee, Hoʻokena Beach Park
o Hōleka, Ola Ka Lāhui, Laʻiʻōpua 2020, Kūkulu Ola recipient
o Cynthia Ho, Keep Puakō Beautiful
o Sarah Pule-Fujii, Pololū Valley Stewards
o Franny Kinslow Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Aloha ʻĀina
recipient
o Cindi Punihaole, Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center
• HVCB’s paid digital campaign with Hawai‘i News Now and DMAP efforts as well as
Hawai‘i Travel Tips video and creative was displayed at Kona and Hilo airports.
D.2
Create opportunities for visitor industry, government, and community
stakeholders to connect on a regular basis for ongoing dialogue to 1)
create shared understanding of the issues that our communities and
the visitor industry face; 2) ensure that the visitor industry is supporting
a sustainable and healthy Hawai‘i Island; and 3) inform about
tourism’s contributions to the community.
• IHVB held a PR Colleagues luncheon in June at Waikoloa Marriott Beach Marriott
Resort & Spa with 22 public relations attendees present to learn about HTA’s Strategic
Plan, DMAP, regenerative tourism, the Pono Pledge, public relations activities, and
partnerships.
• HVCB led a webinar about navigating media and familiarization trips with NaHHA and
travel2change’s Kaiāulu Hoʻokipa Cohort. These new regenerative tourism experiences
are in the process of being onboarded to the Mālama Hawai‘i Program.
• HVCB is also working with United Airlines on a mileage promotion that encourages
Hawai‘i customers to watch various Mālama Hawai‘i videos before they arrive.
D.3
Increase and maintain regular opportunities to collaborate with HTA
on its outreach efforts in the community to ensure a more robust and
coordinated effort. This includes informing the industry and
community about HTA’s mission and its resources, and sharing the
destination’s marketing efforts and activities to orient businesses and
communities about HTA, IHVB and the Global Marketing Team’s
initiatives.
• HTA regularly posts on its social media platforms, provides monthly communications via
its e-bulletin of its activities and partnership opportunities, conducts interviews with
local, national and international media, and participates in various community and
business-related meetings.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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Action E. Implement a comprehensive communications and education plan that facilitates
positive community-visitor relations and pono practices, including the Pono Pledge.
Note: This was formerly Action F.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
E.1
Increase messaging efforts to uplift and improve access to the Pono
Pledge, and shift visitor and resident mindsets as they travel around
Hawai‘i Island.
• Japanese captions have been added to the Pono Pledge video, which IHVB shared at
Hawai‘i Tourism Japan’s Japan Summit with travel agents representatives, Hawai‘i
industry partners, and Japanese media on June 6.
• IHVB supported Department of Transportation – Harbors Division with Pono Pledge
cards and a TV monitor for cruise passengers to view the Pono Pledge video, upon
arrival and departure.
E.2
Provide visitors with easy access to messaging, including increasing
information pathways and educational materials, related to
protecting culture and sense of place (i.e., in-flight videos on inbound flights in multiple languages; rental cars; radio station public
service announcements; podcasts; required place-based visitor
orientation, etc.).
• The Hawai‘i Travel Tips video is being shown at the Kona and Hilo airports in addition to
in-room hotel/resort channels, and mobile geo-targeted/geo-fenced flights. The islandspecific Waze banners continued to be deployed.
• Hawai‘i Island’s visitor industry partners continue to incorporate mindful travel
messaging into their email signatures and communications to guests.
E.3
Continue to encourage and work with visitor industry stakeholders
and businesses to integrate the Pono Pledge into their practices, such
as business booking reservations, QR codes, phone apps, and
monitors at the baggage claim.
• Hawai‘i Island’s visitor industry partners continue to incorporate mindful travel
messaging into their email signatures and communications to guests.
• One of the County’s Hele-On mass transit commuter buses was wrapped with Pono
Pledge messaging. It was also used to transport attendees of Hawai‘i’s Island’s
Meetings Today LIVE Hawai‘i familiarization tour for meeting planners. The wrap will stay
on through the end of 2022, furthering Pono Pledge messaging.
E.4
Collaborate with all segments of the visitor industry and communitybased organizations for stewardship opportunities for visitors to leave
Hawai‘i Island a better place.
• Hawai‘i Island’s visitor industry partners continue to incorporate mindful travel
messaging into their email signatures and communications to guests.
• HVCB led a webinar about navigating media and familiarization trips with NaHHA and
travel2change’s Kaiāulu Hoʻokipa Cohort. These new regenerative tourism experiences
are in the process of being onboarded to the Mālama Hawai‘i Program.
• IHVB met with the Lele‘iwi Community Association and other community members in
hopes to address concerns about commercial activity around Richardson Beach Park
and the Keaukaha surrounding area.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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Action F. Promote agritourism, and partner with Hawai‘i Island’s agriculture industry to
support local food security.
Note: This was formerly Action G.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
F.1
Create, support, and promote agritourism initiatives to connect local
producers with visitors; provide visitors an active experience with
nature and agriculture; and support legal vacation rentals in rural
areas (e.g. farm stays) to alleviate the need for illegal vacation
rentals in rural areas.
• The County continues to support the following projects in 2022: Hawai‘i Farm Trails; Big
Island Made; Locavore Store, Hawai‘i Island Agriculture Partnership, Big Island Box,
Farm-to-Car, and marketing and promotional activities of the ornamental flower
industry.
• HTA’s Global Marketing Team promotes agritourism and buying local as follows:
o Hawai‘i Tourism USA’s consumer and travel trade e-newsletters featured five
great neighborhoods for culinary adventures, with an emphasis on local
restaurants and fare.
o Hawai‘i Tourism Japan (HTJ) continued to create columns on its website about
Made in Hawai‘i products and stories. HTJ also introduced to Japan travelers
the “Food-A-Go-Go” campaign that supports local farmers and restaurants on a
microsite and raised awareness about initiatives to focus on local production
and consumption in addition to promoting made in Hawaiʻi products at events
in Tokyo and Nagoya.
o Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania’s Mālama Guide to Hawai‘i is on sale with
International Traveller magazine. It includes a section of locally made products
in Hawai‘i.
o Hawai‘i Tourism Korea introduced to Korea travelers the Hawai‘i farmers
market, on its official Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as through Farm
to Bottle vendors of Hawai‘i in the latest issue of Bar & Dining.
o Hawai‘i Tourism China posted an article introducing the Kona Historical and
Cultural Farm and Kona Coffee Cultural Festival via various social media
channels.
F.2 Encourage the visitor industry (e.g., hotels and restaurants) to buy
local produce, products, and goods.
• At the request of HTA, the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic
Development & Tourism (DBEDT) provided an analysis of Hawai‘i’s visitor industry
contribution (visitor spending) to the local agriculture industry. This provides baseline
data. To view the study, visit: https://bit.ly/tourismandagriculture
F.3
Support efforts of local producers to sell their goods online by
strengthening online infrastructure, transportation of goods,
marketing, and fulfillment of orders.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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Action G. Invest in community-based programs that enhance quality of life for communities.
Note: This was formerly Action H.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
G.1
Support community-led and activated efforts and offer capacity
building/education opportunities to strengthen Hawai‘i Island’s
product offerings.
• HTA in partnership with the International Festivals & Events Association offered a weeklong “Growing Your Success” webinar series targeted at festivals and events planners
from May 16 to 20.
G.2 Uplift approaches to tourism that are reflective of Hawai‘i Island and
its different communities.
• This action continues to be worked.
Action H. Advocate/create more funding sources to improve infrastructure.
Note: This was formerly Action I.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
H.1
Engage in cohesive infrastructure planning to address community
and industry needs, such as incorporating plans to widen bike
paths in tandem with other necessary road repairs.
H.2 Coordinate with government entities, institutional stakeholders, and
nearby private landowners.
H.3 Advocate for CIP projects for infrastructure related to residents and
visitors.
Action I. Improve enforcement of vacation rental regulations.
Note: This was formerly Action J.
Progress SubAction No. Sub-Action
I.1 Confirm the existing baseline of (number of) vacation rentals. Gauge
the capacity for current and new rentals.
• IHVB is working with Councilmember Heather Kimball. No commission on a study thus
far.
I.2 Explore ways to improve enforcement.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
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Addressing Hotspots
The Hawai‘i Island DMAP designated a number of sites as a “hotspot” location. The DMAP
defines a “hotspot” as “an area/site that attracts visitors due to its popularity, and may result in
overcrowding, congestion, degradation of resources, safety hazards, and a negative
experience for both the resident and visitor.” Below is a summary of activities being done to
mitigate and prevent impact at certain hotspots.
Area/site Action Taken
Waipi‘o Valley IHVB convened and facilitated Steering Committee meetings with
Waipi‘o Valley residents and stakeholders to unearth communityled solutions to mitigate security, safety and access concerns in the
valley.
Pololū Valley HTA funded a Pilot Stewardship program from August 2021 to May
2022. DLNR is taking the program over.
Kealakekua Bay State
Historical Park
DLNR is in the process of finalizing its Masterplan. Community Action
Plan (CAP) meetings are being facilitated by The Nature
Conservancy (TNC), and a plan is being composed. IHVB, HTA and
the County also met with TNC and members of the community
regarding the CAP.
South Kona – Ho‘okena,
Miloli‘i
The County contracted with Conservation International for paid
stewards in the area.
Kahalu‘u Bay The County has a pilot program that includes parking fees and
park closures. The County is also funding an educational program.
Kumukahi (newest black
sand beach)
The County has closed this area off however there is continued use
of the trail occurring. The County, DLNR, and University of Hawai‘i is
also working together to make it a more protected area instead of
a recreational area. A local nonprofit organization is interested in
stewarding the trails and area.
Keaukaha The County is addressing issues within the community. HTA is
supporting a Stewardship Pilot Program through the County’s
Resiliency Corp. IHVB also working with the County.
Punalu‘u IHVB has identified the need to conduct more educational
outreach to protect the honu and will be supporting a nonprofit
group to assist in this area. The County’s Ka‘ū Action Committee
also seeks to address issues in this area.
Pohoiki HTA is partnering with the County for a Community Tourism
Collaborative – a series of community events to develop a
stewardship action plan in Q3 2022-Q1 2023.
Ho‘okena Beach Friends of Ho‘okena has a stewardship program in place. This
hotspot is a resting place for dolphins. This is being addressed by
NOAA.
Hōnaunau Bay, Captain
Cook Monument
The County has a contract with Conservation International and
there are paid stewards at this site.
Ka‘ū – Papakōlea/Green
Sands Beach
HTA has been in discussions with Department of Hawaiian Home
Lands. In Spring 2022, a community organization applied for U.S.
Economic Development Administration (EDA) funds to address
issues at this hotspot. DHHL and HTA provided letters of support.
Unfortunately, the proposal was not accepted by EDA.
Spring 2022 Progress Report – Hawai‘i Island DMAP (continued)
Page 12
Kalae (South Point) HTA, the County and IHVB had discussions with DHHL in Spring and
Summer 2021. HTA awaited news on the nonprofit organization’s
EDA grant application. HTA will reach out to DHHL to continue
conversations.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes
National Park
IHVB is providing communications as needed to visitors.